1. Follow your owner and service manuals 
Most often, we ignore the schedule and service instructions given on owner’s manuals even
though all manuals have printed instructions and maintenance schedule. Suggestions on
owner’s manual will contain service procedure, oil type and oil change schedule. For a more
in-depth or thorough understanding of your bike, a manual that explains how to rebuild your
bike or methods to find torque valve will give you full power to maintain and keep your bike
running.

2. Correct break-in point
This is very important particularly for a new bike. For the first 100 miles it is best to avoid
rapid acceleration and hard or aggressive stops. It is advised to use only 3/4 th of the throttle
power for the engine to maintain efficiency in the long run. Breaking-in your motorbikes
increases the engine speed. While the guideline for break-in varies for each motorbike, the
thumb rule is to follow the recommendations given in the owner's manual, which may vary
with engine speeds.

3. Regular engine oil change
Engine oil is not only a lubricant it is more of a coolant for the engine. The two major
reasons for regularly changing engine oil are:
 Overheating of the engine during the combustion process that can cause the vehicle to
breakdown without unwarranted signs. Regular oil change will reduce the heating of
the engine
 Over a period of time engine oil is susceptible to contamination, which increases the
acidity of the oil and may cause internal corrosion. To avoid wear and tear, the engine
needs to be lubricated. Thus, regular oil change is recommended

The next big question would be what kind of oil to use. For information on types of oil used in vehicles
head to our article section (can be hyperlinked to another article). To understand what is best for
your vehicle, you can find the details in the owner’s manual.

4. Keep the air filter clean
The role of the air filter is to keep the bike engine free of dust and dirt particles. It essentially
traps foreign particles entering the engine that may clog the valves, spoil the internal
bearings and cylinders. The frequency of cleaning the air filter depends on the road and
driving conditions. It requires more service if you are riding the vehicle in wet and dusty
areas.

5. Balanced air pressure
Maintaining correct air pressure will increase the life of the tyre and improve fuel mileage. It
will also provide better vehicle handling and control. Follow the below mentioned steps:
 Maintain correct inflation for your tyres
 Regularly check air pressure (once a week)
 Replace worn out tyres sooner than later

6. Grease your bearings
Exposed or open parts such as suspension linkages need periodic care as compared to
enclosed bearings. Look out for signs indicating the need for lubrications.
 Steering stem bearing - if you find it difficult to orient or find notches in your handle
bars, it is time to lubricate
 Replace the bearing when you find difficulty in pushing the fork back and forth
 Wheel bearings – replace the bearing if you hear sounds from the front or rear axles
 Change the Swing arm if it moves side-to-side
 Grease your linkage bolts and motor-mount bolts

7. Drivetrain maintenance
Drivetrain is a component connecting to the drive axles, which power the vehicle. A
contaminated drivetrain will lead to poor gear shifts and fail to give a smooth ride. Things
that needs to be taken care of are: chain stretch, sprocket wear, belt condition and amount
of oil in the shaft housing. 

8. Keep battery charged
Power up the battery, keep it 100 percent charged. Recharge it when the lights dim or when
the starter sound is weak, sometimes after the bike has been idle for several weeks.
Your monthly checklist should include the following:
 Check the level of electrolyte in the battery
 Check for loose connections and obvious damage in cables and clamps
 Check the exhaust tube and make sure it is free of bends and clogs

9. Always check
Few rudimentary and essential checklists for extending your vehicle’s life are as follows:
 Check the level of motor oil
 Check the level of transmission oil
 Tyre air pressures
 Check for fuel or brake-fluid leaks
 Bolt tightness
 Electrical switches and controls

10. Ride it right
Good riding habits can also keep your bike remain in good conditions. Avoid hard brakes,
apply smooth and easy brakes. Steady acceleration and smooth turning will keep every part
of your bike in good health. Frequent gear shifts without feathering the clutch or without
reducing the throttle may decrease the life of your bike.

Follow these simple steps to keep your bike running smoothly and efficiently. You can also get
assistance from Autodrome consultants for better understanding and help in maintaining your
motorcycle.

Online portal for all Two wheeler Solutions around your locality.